Extending the Life of Your Glasslined Reactor

Do's :

1. Keep log book of prevetive maintenace for each reactor.
2. Only experienced personnel should carry out installation and must follow recommended procedure.
3. Vent the jacket for maximum heat tranfer.
4. Flush the jacket drain perodically to clean out loose rust/scale. Connect the line to the stream trap drain for continous flushing if need be.
5. Use the correct sie & no. Bolts/ Clamps.
6. Use only properly shimed PTFE envelope gaskets on clean and sound glass surfaces.
7. Use Chemically resistant aprons around all inlet nozzles on the top head. Flush-off and neutralize any chemical spills immediately.
8. Keep all bolts/ Clamps properly cleaned and lubricated.
9. Ensure that agitator rotates in clock wise direction when seen from the top.
10. To reassemble the drive the refer the instructions on page No.30
11. For the mechanical variable speed drives, changes the speed gradually and for A.C. Variable speed frequency drive, Changes the speed gradually and for A.C. Variable speed frequency drive follow the supplier's operational manual.
12. Use only non metallic dip pipe when charging the corrrosive material.
13. Use dip pipes with the sparger while charging condesable vapors, thermally active compounds and materials with large thermal differentials.
14. Take immediate and appropriate action if the following are observed.
    • Leakage from any gasketed area, vessel or jacket.
    • Sudden rise or drop in pressure and tempreature.
    • Cracks in the insulation cover.
    • Any visual sparks in the vessel contents.
    • Leakage of contents from vessel, jacket media or accessories e.g. Agitators or baffles.
    • Non functioning of bottom oulet valve.
    • Abnormal noise of vibration in main vessel or drive components.
15. Refer Section V on glass enamel in detail while using alkaline material at elevated tempreature.
16. Keep close watch on repaired spots, if any, and surrounding lining to detect. Further damage at an early stage.
17. Always open /tighten bolts 'C' clamps one by one in several steps and diagonally opposite to each other as per torque chart.
18. Rupture disc is must for runway/exothermic reactions.

DONT'S :

1. Do not remove or obscure the nameplate.
2. Do not Hammer on or generally stress the top dish head of the Jacket reactor or any part of unjacketed vessel or nozzles.
3. Do not weld on the top dish or anu outer surface of glasslined surface.
4. Do not operate the reactor beyond the stipulated pressure and tempreature recommended.
5. Do not use restricted chemicals beyond the stipulated tempreature.
6. Do not spill acidic material on the reactor body .
7. Do not leave manway cover open during process or in idle conditions.
8. Do not take spark test over 5 kv.
9. Do not stress load nozzle or manway throughout their entire usage.

Recommeded Spares :

1. PTFE envelope gasket for all process nozzle and manhole – 2 Set
2. Glasslined manhole cover & protection ring- 1 Set
3. Glasslined spindle & PTFE seat for flush bottom outlet valve- 1 Set
4. Sigth and light glasses- 1 Set
5. Mechanical Seal 'O' rings or stuffing box gland packing- 1 Set
6. Bearings for gear , motor and agitator 1 set

Repairs :

The damaged glasslined surface, no matter how small must be repaired immediately to prevent corrosion of base metal and to avoid further damage to the ling .
In case of pinholes or damage of glass smaller than 8 mm dia, use tantalum plugs with PTFE washers, for larger damage use tantalum disc with PTFE washers. For noozle damage use PTFE bushes. Only authorize service personal should carry out the repairs.